As manufacturers move closer toward zero waste business models, the technology required becomes necessarily more advanced and complex.
In 2010 Volkswagon established a $30 million eco-friendly paint shop in its Chattanooga, TN assembly plant as a part of its process of becoming a more environmentally friendly company. The paint coating process was designed to produce essentially no waste and use 60% less energy than traditional paint processes. This was accomplished in part by employing dip-tank technology. All air in the shop was filtered and recirculated.
Some years later Durr Building Paint Shop From Ground Up was constructed in Detroit to train automaker customers to get the most out of their investments. It was equipped with a fully functioning robotic spray booth, oven, industrial cleaning machines, conveyors, and other equipment for application of adhesives and seals.
Although Volkswagon was on the forefront of high technology use in the automobile industry, they are certainly not the only manufacturer using this dip-tank process. Hiab, part of Cargtec, based in Poland, is also using dip-tank technology to apply an anti-corrosion layer to the cranes it manufacturers. This is the first in a three-step process, and the dip tank is used in order to assure that even difficult to access areas and cavities will be protected with the applied anti-corrosion coating. Again, Hiab will achieve significant energy and water savings and will produce virtually no waste by designing its process this way.
AEC Systems is proud to be involved in continuous improvement manufacturing, working to limit waste and toxic chemicals in the parts cleaning industry. The part cleaners we design tend to be smaller than those built to coat car frames and cranes, but the advances that engineers make in the auto and construction industries can only be of help to all researchers and engineers. AEC frequently employs dip tank technology in the industrial part washers we create for our customers – who are also invested in controlling corrosion in their manufactured products.
If you need a washing system to address a specific need or are looking to add a rust preventative to a washing system, contact us at AEC. We will be happy to discuss your parts washing needs and design an efficient, environmentally friendly solution for you.